Page 20 of Pity Pact

Wait, what? She thinks I’m going to be on her show? Um, no. “I’m sorry, Trina, but I can’t do that.”

“Why? You’re single, aren’t you?”

“I am, but I’m not interested in going on a reality show to find love.”

She stands up abruptly and starts pacing the room. “Tim. If you don’t do this thenwemight get canceled, too.”

I never would have imagined Trina was such a drama queen. Excitable, maybe. But until now, she’d always seemed level-headed. “I would feel bad for you if that happened,” I tell her for lack of anything else coming to mind. But honestly, I couldn't care less what the future holds forMidwestern Matchmaker.

“We could pay you two thousand dollars an episode,” she offers. “That’s more than everyone else is getting.”

While I don’t need the money, I ask, “How many episodes are you shooting?”

“Ten.” Before I can tell her again that I’m not interested, she ups the ante. “I’ll give you four thousand per episode.”

Forty thousand dollars just to pretend to be looking for love? Again, I don’t need it, but that’s a lot of money for only a few weeks of work. Also, I happen to know that Eva lovesMidwestern Matchmaker. Maybe I could make it look like I was having so much fun she’d regret leaving me.

Before taking the proper amount of time to evaluate the pros and cons of such an idea, I blurt out, “I’ll do it.”

Trina jumps into the air and shakes her hands like she’s a professional cheerleader. Then she runs over to me and wraps her arms around me. “You are thebest, thank you!”

I’m unsuccessful disengaging from her bear hug, so I move my hands between us to push her away. “Yes, well, you made me a very tempting offer.”Little does she know my capitulation had nothing to do with the money.

She suddenly becomes very serious. “You can’t tell anyone what you’re making or there would be a revolt.” Picking up her purse, she grabs her phone and starts typing. “I’m sending your contract right now. You’ll need to print it out and bring it to tomorrow night’s mixer.”

My heart starts to beat faster, and my hands get clammy as the reality of what I’ve agreed to do hits me. “I still work here, so I’ll need to know what my shooting schedule is ahead of time.”

She keeps typing for several moments before putting her phone down. “You’ll need to be available for Friday and Saturday’s mixers. We shoot from six to eleven, but you’ll have to be here at four on both days for hair, makeup, and basic instructions.”

The only thing that keeps me from backing out is knowing this is my chance to stick it to Eva—to show her how well I’m doing without her. And believe me, I’m going to ham it up like nobody’s business. “How about during the week?” I ask.

“We’ll need you on Monday and Tuesday afternoons. Those will be the days you go on individual dates and get to know all the female contestants.”

My head bobbles up and down. “I guess I’ll see you at four o’clock tomorrow.” I don’t remember which part of the body goes numb before you have a stroke, but if it’s your left wrist then I’m screwed. Is that toast I smell?

Instead of taking the hint to leave, Trina tells me, “Remember, everyone is nervous and sometimes people don’t come off as they really are. So don’t judge them on their first impressions. It could take three or four dates before you really know who you’re spending time with.”

As I’m not going on the show to find love, her advice doesn’t affect me. “Sure. Sounds great.”Leave my office, please.

She moves toward the door, which makes me wonder if she’s read my thoughts. But then she abruptly turns back around. “Oh, and you should know that sometimes more than one guy likes the same girl at the same time. If you find yourself in that situation, we strongly suggest you don’t confront him and engage in any on-air battles.” She pauses for a moment before adding, “And no off-air fights either. Just remember, love always wins.”

“Sure,” I tell her.Again, not looking for love here.

Trina’s expression softens. “I really appreciate this, Tim. You have no idea how much you’re saving my bacon.” It sounds like there might be more to her story than she’s letting on, but honestly, I’m not interested enough to inquire.

“Sure thing, Trina. See you tomorrow.” I’m going to be the most charming and sought after man that’s ever been onMidwestern Matchmaker. I’m going to make Eva regret ever leaving me, and when she comes begging for me to take her back, I’m going to slam the door right in her face.

Picking up my phone, I call Paige. Luckily, we swapped numbers after dinner last weekend. Her phone goes straight to voicemail which means she’s probably in class. After the message prompt, I tell her, “Paige, the eagle has landed. The pigeon is in flight. Call me as soon as you can.”

Bit by bit, theTwilight Zoneatmosphere that’s recently taken over my office passes and cold reality hits me like a baseball bat to the side of the head.

What in the world have I just done?

CHAPTER NINE

PAIGE

The week flies by, and with each passing day I’ve gotten more and more nervous about tomorrow’s mixer. Missy helped me shop for clothes, so even though I have some nice things to wear, I’m still worried about how I’m going to act.

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